The World Cup glow lives on in Doha

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In 2022, Qatar became the first Arab country to host the FIFA World Cup, and its atmosphere still lingers across the city. At the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the 3-2-1 Cultural Olympiad Expo opens this week, showcasing artworks and installations from international artists, alongside Olympic Day activities. The Visit Qatar Fan Zone at Al Maha Island is keeping the World Cup energy alive with live screenings and entertainment throughout the tournament season. Meanwhile, visitors can step inside Lusail Stadium on guided tours, explore Teeb Al Hazm’s latest edition dedicated to fragrance culture or head to Souq Waqif for the return of the Indian Mango Exhibition.

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Reve

P.S. Have feedback or tips on Doha's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.

1. Leading the week: 321 Cultural Olympiad Expo 

A general view shows the newly-inaugurated 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in the capital Doha, on March 18, 2022. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP via Getty Images)

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum has transformed its second floor into an exhibition space dedicated to the winners of the 3-2-1 Cultural Olympiad 2026. The show brings together artworks, interactive installations and performances from artists around the world, all selected through the competition. The range of what is on display makes it worth taking time to explore rather than rushing through. It opens on June 23 and runs through Aug. 31.

The opening date is not incidental. June 23 is International Olympic Day, and the museum is marking it with a free sports activities in the QOSM Activation Zone from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The afternoon brings together activities across athletics and other movement-based challenges designed for visitors of all ages, with guided sessions and interactive stations throughout. No registration is required, which makes it easy to slot into the day before or after visiting the exhibition upstairs.

The two work well together as a single visit: a sports activity on the ground floor that celebrates the Olympic spirit, and an exhibition on the floor above that explores the same values through art and creativity. This is a good option for a Monday evening with family or with anyone who has been meaning to visit QOSM and has not yet made it.

Date: June 23 to Aug. 31

Location: 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

Find more details here.

2. Word on the street: World Cup fan zone

Visit Qatar Fan Zone at Al Maha Island, Doha. AI-generated visual. (Image courtesy of Visit Qatar)

FIFA World Cup 2026 is not being played in Qatar, but that has not stopped the country from showing up for it. Visit Qatar has set up a fan zone at Al Maha Island in Lusail that runs the full length of the tournament, from June 11 to July 19, with giant screens, live match screenings, and food and entertainment running daily from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. For anyone who lived through the 2022 atmosphere and has been quietly missing it, this is the closest thing to it this summer.

Al Maha Island is already one of the more established entertainment destinations in Lusail, and the fan zone format suits it well. Every match is on, including the late-night fixtures, which means you can build an evening around whichever game matters most to you and stay as long as the score keeps you interested. It is an adults-only venue, so bring your ID.

Date: June 11 to July 19

Location: Al Maha Island, Lusail

Find more details here.

3. Doha diary

Fans arrive at the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

• Discover Lusail Stadium - Qatar 2022 Tour

You do not need to be a football fanatic to appreciate Lusail Stadium. The venue has become one of Qatar’s most recognizable landmarks, and this tour offers a chance to see it from a different perspective. Visitors can explore areas usually reserved for players, officials and media, including the changing rooms, press conference hall and VIP spaces. The experience also highlights the stadium’s architecture and the role it played during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The final stop on the pitch itself is enough to remind visitors why Lusail remains a symbol of one of football’s most memorable tournaments.

Date: Until June 20

Location: Lusail Stadium

Find more information here.

• Teeb Al Hazm 13th Edition

Fragrance lovers already know this event needs little introduction. Returning for its 13th edition, Teeb Al Hazm brings together luxury perfume houses, premium oud brands and exclusive scent collections under one roof. The exhibition offers a chance to discover both traditional Arabian fragrances and contemporary creations from across the region and beyond. Even for casual visitors, the experience is worth exploring for its atmosphere alone.

Date: June 25 to July 4

Location: Al Hazm

Find more information here.

•  Indian Mango Exhibition 2026

The Indian Mango Exhibition returns to Souq Waqif with a celebration of one of the world’s most beloved fruits. Visitors can sample and purchase a wide variety of premium Indian mangoes while exploring stalls filled with traditional sweets, pickles and specialty products. The event has become a seasonal favorite for families and food enthusiasts alike.

Date: June 18 to June 27

Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif

Find more information here.